Decorating a Child’s Room

Trying to create that perfect retreat for your child? Read this article for some quick & inexpensive decor ideas, and advice on what to consider when designing your child’s room.
Children deserve special spaces in your home – designed with their personalities and needs in mind.
One of the most important things to remember when designing or decorating a child’s room is that children grow quickly! Their room must be able to grow with them – to suit their changing needs and tastes. Here a few things to keep in mind:
Consider the Developmental Stage of Your Child –
Does he or she require more constant supervision or at an age where privacy is desired (all children need their “own time”, but toddlers do not usually require as much as teenagers!)
Does furniture need to be fastened to the wall (for beginning walkers/climbers)
decorating-childs-room-on-a-budgetStorage solutions need to be age appropriate, as well. You can try using an open toy chest for younger children (rotate toys so they have “new” items to keep their interest). Keep items that require supervision when used in the closet or in another room.
If you have very young children, keep the tops of bookcases, armories, and other furniture relatively clear (to prevent an avalanche when your little ones try to climb or move them)

Decorating child’s room on a budget – Budget Decorating

Painting is one of the least expensive and creative ways to decorate your child’s room (or any room). While your child might be in her “purple” stage, decide on a color that everyone can live with for a few years. That purple color can always be used as an accent color for trim, windows, curtains – even a closet door!
Wallpaper offers some wonderful designs – especially for toddlers who love Disney characters or anything with wheels – rather than using wallpaper for the entire room, try using borders. You can find a variety of inexpensive wallpaper borders at Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target.
A clever way to add a little privacy to a shared room is with a screen. You can find them at several home stores (Pier One, HomeFront). Even better, make one with old doors or sections of plywood. You can get your children in on the project (even little ones can help by painting designs or try adding their hand prints to one side of the screen!) Your children can add photos or posters to the screen – easy on, easy off as their tastes change.
I often come across the cutest items for my sons’ room. Often, the cutest things have not so adorable price tags! Get creative with decorating ideas –
Hang a pinata from the ceiling (you can find unique shapes – hot air balloons, trains, animals).
Tape or tack deflated balloons on the walls or ceilings (what a great way to remember special events).
Make a collage out of birthday and holiday cards – you can even use pieces of memorable wrapping paper.
Buy inexpensive prints or posters and simply frame on mattes, or if you enjoy browsing garage sales – buy pictures with frames in good condition and reuse the frames!
Frame a favorite puzzle for fun and inexpensive wall decor – I think any decor that was made by a child (or make with adult supervision) is a great idea!
Create a Space for Everything
Even in smaller rooms, it is great to create separate spaces for activities (this is a good idea for any room in your home). You can place a bookshelf in one corner, with a few throw pillows or a rocking chair for a nice reading nook.
Activities that require more alertness (daytime activities) can be placed in a closet or on a shelf – within easy reach. Activities that encourage “quiet time” (before naps or bedtime) can be placed near a bed or away from the door (this might help keep outside distractions to a minimum).
For school age children, set aside a desk for studying (if possible), with adequate lighting and a comfortable chair.
Wow – creating the perfect space for you child requires some work! Next week, we will discuss storage solutions, painting murals and themes, and the best furniture for a child’s room…